How do I politely decline an offer to extend internship when I plan to move to a different company?

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I'm currently doing an internship at a company for a fixed-month period, which I'm now close to the end of. Recently they approached me and asked if I would like to stay longer, instead of going back to university once my period was over.



Originally I was planning on going right back to school, but I've since received an offer from another company that I can't refuse. The offer's great, but the company itself is somewhat of a better fit for me as well. (To be clear, it's just another internship, I'll be returning to my degree to finish it after that final internship.)



How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?







share|improve this question


















  • 9




    I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
    – NotMe
    Mar 31 '14 at 19:27






  • 1




    Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
    – Doug Smith
    Mar 31 '14 at 20:58
















up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1












I'm currently doing an internship at a company for a fixed-month period, which I'm now close to the end of. Recently they approached me and asked if I would like to stay longer, instead of going back to university once my period was over.



Originally I was planning on going right back to school, but I've since received an offer from another company that I can't refuse. The offer's great, but the company itself is somewhat of a better fit for me as well. (To be clear, it's just another internship, I'll be returning to my degree to finish it after that final internship.)



How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?







share|improve this question


















  • 9




    I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
    – NotMe
    Mar 31 '14 at 19:27






  • 1




    Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
    – Doug Smith
    Mar 31 '14 at 20:58












up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1






1





I'm currently doing an internship at a company for a fixed-month period, which I'm now close to the end of. Recently they approached me and asked if I would like to stay longer, instead of going back to university once my period was over.



Originally I was planning on going right back to school, but I've since received an offer from another company that I can't refuse. The offer's great, but the company itself is somewhat of a better fit for me as well. (To be clear, it's just another internship, I'll be returning to my degree to finish it after that final internship.)



How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?







share|improve this question














I'm currently doing an internship at a company for a fixed-month period, which I'm now close to the end of. Recently they approached me and asked if I would like to stay longer, instead of going back to university once my period was over.



Originally I was planning on going right back to school, but I've since received an offer from another company that I can't refuse. The offer's great, but the company itself is somewhat of a better fit for me as well. (To be clear, it's just another internship, I'll be returning to my degree to finish it after that final internship.)



How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Mar 31 '14 at 21:49

























asked Mar 31 '14 at 17:54









Doug Smith

12414




12414







  • 9




    I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
    – NotMe
    Mar 31 '14 at 19:27






  • 1




    Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
    – Doug Smith
    Mar 31 '14 at 20:58












  • 9




    I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
    – NotMe
    Mar 31 '14 at 19:27






  • 1




    Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
    – Doug Smith
    Mar 31 '14 at 20:58







9




9




I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
– NotMe
Mar 31 '14 at 19:27




I just want to pipe in about the "back to school" part. The money (or company) may seem like a good move, however, I would suggest that completion of a degree that you are close to anyway would FAR outweigh leaving earlier for a job.
– NotMe
Mar 31 '14 at 19:27




1




1




Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
– Doug Smith
Mar 31 '14 at 20:58




Oh, I won't be leaving school, it's another internship opportunity for a brief period. Then I'd be finishing off the little remaining part of my degree.
– Doug Smith
Mar 31 '14 at 20:58










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
16
down vote














How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the
fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?




How about "I've really enjoyed working here, and I really appreciate the offer, but I've decided that I can best round out my background by interning elsewhere."



It's not very much different from politely declining any offer.



  • Thank the offering party

  • Make sure you explicitly decline

  • If you feel you must, indicate some reason for declining





share|improve this answer
















  • 1




    I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
    – Steve Jessop
    Apr 1 '14 at 10:40


















up vote
7
down vote













"Thank you for your offer but I have decided to decline it."



You don't need to tell anyone about your other offer, that is your own personal business. however...



IMO, it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, and that it better suits your interests. The reason I would do that is because it leaves room for them to make a counter-offer.



Maybe the counter-offer would be a full-time associate, rather than an intern... I prefer more options to be on the table when making a decision, but it is your choice whether to inform them of your personal life.



You must understand, in the corporate world, you mostly have to act in your own interests, or the interests of your family. Everyone understands (and should respect) that.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Chris Lively made an excellent comment about going back to school. You may have issues that in the short term would be solved by entering the work-force, but the long-term benefits of your education should not be discounted.



    So considering that, you absolutely should explain your other offer to your current firm, telling them that extending your "internship" is not possible, but perhaps they would work with you as an employee to allow you to complete your studies. And you should not limit your possibilities to just the ones currently before you, but also be open to others that would allow you to complete your schooling.






    share|improve this answer




















    • I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
      – Doug Smith
      Mar 31 '14 at 20:59






    • 3




      @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
      – Aaron Hall
      Mar 31 '14 at 21:04










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    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes








    3 Answers
    3






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    16
    down vote














    How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the
    fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?




    How about "I've really enjoyed working here, and I really appreciate the offer, but I've decided that I can best round out my background by interning elsewhere."



    It's not very much different from politely declining any offer.



    • Thank the offering party

    • Make sure you explicitly decline

    • If you feel you must, indicate some reason for declining





    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
      – Steve Jessop
      Apr 1 '14 at 10:40















    up vote
    16
    down vote














    How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the
    fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?




    How about "I've really enjoyed working here, and I really appreciate the offer, but I've decided that I can best round out my background by interning elsewhere."



    It's not very much different from politely declining any offer.



    • Thank the offering party

    • Make sure you explicitly decline

    • If you feel you must, indicate some reason for declining





    share|improve this answer
















    • 1




      I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
      – Steve Jessop
      Apr 1 '14 at 10:40













    up vote
    16
    down vote










    up vote
    16
    down vote










    How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the
    fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?




    How about "I've really enjoyed working here, and I really appreciate the offer, but I've decided that I can best round out my background by interning elsewhere."



    It's not very much different from politely declining any offer.



    • Thank the offering party

    • Make sure you explicitly decline

    • If you feel you must, indicate some reason for declining





    share|improve this answer













    How do I politely decline the first company's offer? Do I mention the
    fact I'm leaving for another company? What should I say?




    How about "I've really enjoyed working here, and I really appreciate the offer, but I've decided that I can best round out my background by interning elsewhere."



    It's not very much different from politely declining any offer.



    • Thank the offering party

    • Make sure you explicitly decline

    • If you feel you must, indicate some reason for declining






    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Mar 31 '14 at 18:14









    Joe Strazzere

    224k107661930




    224k107661930







    • 1




      I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
      – Steve Jessop
      Apr 1 '14 at 10:40













    • 1




      I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
      – Steve Jessop
      Apr 1 '14 at 10:40








    1




    1




    I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
    – Steve Jessop
    Apr 1 '14 at 10:40





    I wonder how many "how do I be polite/professional" questions on the site can be answered, "be gracious, be clear, be brief" :-)
    – Steve Jessop
    Apr 1 '14 at 10:40













    up vote
    7
    down vote













    "Thank you for your offer but I have decided to decline it."



    You don't need to tell anyone about your other offer, that is your own personal business. however...



    IMO, it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, and that it better suits your interests. The reason I would do that is because it leaves room for them to make a counter-offer.



    Maybe the counter-offer would be a full-time associate, rather than an intern... I prefer more options to be on the table when making a decision, but it is your choice whether to inform them of your personal life.



    You must understand, in the corporate world, you mostly have to act in your own interests, or the interests of your family. Everyone understands (and should respect) that.






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      7
      down vote













      "Thank you for your offer but I have decided to decline it."



      You don't need to tell anyone about your other offer, that is your own personal business. however...



      IMO, it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, and that it better suits your interests. The reason I would do that is because it leaves room for them to make a counter-offer.



      Maybe the counter-offer would be a full-time associate, rather than an intern... I prefer more options to be on the table when making a decision, but it is your choice whether to inform them of your personal life.



      You must understand, in the corporate world, you mostly have to act in your own interests, or the interests of your family. Everyone understands (and should respect) that.






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        7
        down vote










        up vote
        7
        down vote









        "Thank you for your offer but I have decided to decline it."



        You don't need to tell anyone about your other offer, that is your own personal business. however...



        IMO, it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, and that it better suits your interests. The reason I would do that is because it leaves room for them to make a counter-offer.



        Maybe the counter-offer would be a full-time associate, rather than an intern... I prefer more options to be on the table when making a decision, but it is your choice whether to inform them of your personal life.



        You must understand, in the corporate world, you mostly have to act in your own interests, or the interests of your family. Everyone understands (and should respect) that.






        share|improve this answer












        "Thank you for your offer but I have decided to decline it."



        You don't need to tell anyone about your other offer, that is your own personal business. however...



        IMO, it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, and that it better suits your interests. The reason I would do that is because it leaves room for them to make a counter-offer.



        Maybe the counter-offer would be a full-time associate, rather than an intern... I prefer more options to be on the table when making a decision, but it is your choice whether to inform them of your personal life.



        You must understand, in the corporate world, you mostly have to act in your own interests, or the interests of your family. Everyone understands (and should respect) that.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Mar 31 '14 at 19:09









        Pat Grady

        711




        711




















            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Chris Lively made an excellent comment about going back to school. You may have issues that in the short term would be solved by entering the work-force, but the long-term benefits of your education should not be discounted.



            So considering that, you absolutely should explain your other offer to your current firm, telling them that extending your "internship" is not possible, but perhaps they would work with you as an employee to allow you to complete your studies. And you should not limit your possibilities to just the ones currently before you, but also be open to others that would allow you to complete your schooling.






            share|improve this answer




















            • I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
              – Doug Smith
              Mar 31 '14 at 20:59






            • 3




              @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
              – Aaron Hall
              Mar 31 '14 at 21:04














            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Chris Lively made an excellent comment about going back to school. You may have issues that in the short term would be solved by entering the work-force, but the long-term benefits of your education should not be discounted.



            So considering that, you absolutely should explain your other offer to your current firm, telling them that extending your "internship" is not possible, but perhaps they would work with you as an employee to allow you to complete your studies. And you should not limit your possibilities to just the ones currently before you, but also be open to others that would allow you to complete your schooling.






            share|improve this answer




















            • I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
              – Doug Smith
              Mar 31 '14 at 20:59






            • 3




              @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
              – Aaron Hall
              Mar 31 '14 at 21:04












            up vote
            0
            down vote










            up vote
            0
            down vote









            Chris Lively made an excellent comment about going back to school. You may have issues that in the short term would be solved by entering the work-force, but the long-term benefits of your education should not be discounted.



            So considering that, you absolutely should explain your other offer to your current firm, telling them that extending your "internship" is not possible, but perhaps they would work with you as an employee to allow you to complete your studies. And you should not limit your possibilities to just the ones currently before you, but also be open to others that would allow you to complete your schooling.






            share|improve this answer












            Chris Lively made an excellent comment about going back to school. You may have issues that in the short term would be solved by entering the work-force, but the long-term benefits of your education should not be discounted.



            So considering that, you absolutely should explain your other offer to your current firm, telling them that extending your "internship" is not possible, but perhaps they would work with you as an employee to allow you to complete your studies. And you should not limit your possibilities to just the ones currently before you, but also be open to others that would allow you to complete your schooling.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Mar 31 '14 at 20:33









            Aaron Hall

            4,16312033




            4,16312033











            • I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
              – Doug Smith
              Mar 31 '14 at 20:59






            • 3




              @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
              – Aaron Hall
              Mar 31 '14 at 21:04
















            • I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
              – Doug Smith
              Mar 31 '14 at 20:59






            • 3




              @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
              – Aaron Hall
              Mar 31 '14 at 21:04















            I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
            – Doug Smith
            Mar 31 '14 at 20:59




            I'm sorry I was unclear. This isn't for a full-time job with a company, it's for another internship at a highly sought after company. Following the end of that several month internship I'd be returning to finish my degree.
            – Doug Smith
            Mar 31 '14 at 20:59




            3




            3




            @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
            – Aaron Hall
            Mar 31 '14 at 21:04




            @DougSmith Then you should edit your question to reflect that refined piece of information. Internships are a part of your education, after all, so your decision to move on is probably a very good one as it will give you a broader view of your industry. Good luck!
            – Aaron Hall
            Mar 31 '14 at 21:04












             

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